Lesser Devil Book Review
Book Review:
The Lesser Devil
by Christopher Ruocchio
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This is a novella between books one and two. Due to this, I'm going to structure this review slightly differently. Let me know what you think. Here is the link (Empire of Silence) to the first book if you haven't checked it out yet.
In this title, we are following Crispin Marlowe. From the first book being from his brother's perspective, our view of Crispin might be jaded. This book gives such a different outlook on Crispin though. We see that he has grown in the time Hadrian has been gone. Even still he is like all landed nobles slightly out of touch with the workings of the wider universe. There is now a third Marlowe child as well, Sabine. Crispin is dedicated to protecting his younger sister. I love that this book showed us this view of Crispin. Before he was just a child (a large teenager but a child), and all he wanted was for his big brother to notice him. He still looks up to Hadrian and even 30+ years later wonders what happened to him. Suppose they had only had a home more like what the Lords of Emesh had then maybe Hadrian and Crispin could have been closer. I like that in his role of big brother Crispin does get to have a good sibling bond at least.
Crispin and Sabine were meant to be traveling to see their grandmother when the transport was attacked. They find shelter in the settlement of abjurists. While they offer aid without caring who they help Crispin is suspicious of their good will. What he finds is a different view of the universe than he has ever seen. After more attackers find the village Crispin must find a way to keep them all safe.
The aspects of religion brought up in this one were fantastic. It helped explain some things that I had wondered. Having Crispin go through the revelation of this information hits differently than if we had seen it from Hadrian as well. Crispin's first reaction is to disbelieve and possibly even sneer at what these peasants believe. Even as he is doing so though he is thinking it is his father's sneer. He does listen to those around him and finds truth in the things he's told through this novel. Through the novel we see him grow into a better person and possibly the makings of a good ruler. Crispin is constantly striving to be more like Hadrian in his interactions.
Overall this short story allowed us to see a smaller piece of the wider universe. Even if these actions don't impact the rest of the novels it was nice to gain insight into the older religions. I greatly enjoyed this take and hope the Marlowe siblings will be able to find each other again.
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